I think Bergevin wanted to take his team as far as possible in these playoffs to;
1) Make money with playoff games
2) Find out how good his team's players are and which would perform well in the playoffs, accomplished.
3) Find the deficiencies in the team's system and what players are necessary to carry them through to the Finals.
4) Get a prolific scoring forward, Vanek for a pittance, to prove how close his team is to winning the SC.
5) Get the go-ahead to delve into the UFA market and get the necessary players to bring the Habs over the top or become ELITE!
6) Markov certainly was key to making the playoffs and the run, depending upon the Salary Cap restrictions and say signing all of the Habs young stars & UFA's will determine the length & cost of a Markov contract without a NMC/NTC, in case a trade improves the Habs long term plans.
7) This has to be foremost in a GM's plans and also leaves room for a possible trade too, negating losing him through the UFA market for no return as happened in the past with Gainey and other Hab GM's.
8) I haven't talked with Marc this week so don't quote me or ask him about these details, I don't want to lose my bonus this Xmas!